International Staff Week at Wroclaw Medical University

International Staff Week was held on May 18-26, 2024 at Wroclaw Medical University. This event became an excellent environment for expanding the directions of international cooperation and outlining prospects for further cooperation in the academic and research areas with colleagues from various foreign educational institutions. Its program is interesting, rich and intense thanks to the coordinated work of the participants and the successful organization of all processes by the staff of Wroclaw Medical University.

The event was attended by representatives of Lithuania (Lithuanian University of Health Sciences), Greece (University of Crete; University of Thessaly), Albania (University of Medicine Tirana), Georgia (Caucasus International University), Italy (University of Siena), Romania (Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy IASI).

Ternopil National Medical University was represented by Natalia Lisnychuk – Deputy Rector for International Relations and Iryna Ivanchuk – Specialist of International Relations Department.

The participants were greeted by representatives of the authorities of Wrocław Medical University. There was an introduction to the history and activities of the university, its main achievements in the field of medical education and science.

The participants visited the library, simulation centre, anatomical museum, botanical garden, Collegium Anatomicum, pharmacy museum.

It is interesting that separate rooms of so-called “complete silence” have been created in the library, where both one student (a small room) and a group of students (a large room) can study. These rooms are in high demand, especially before exams, so students reserve them on the library website in advance.

Another know-how of the Medical University of Wroclaw is that during the study of anatomy, students are given the opportunity to see all anatomical structures with the help of ultrasound diagnostic devices. This enables students to compare the features of the anatomical structure of organs and systems, which they study theoretically and with the help of anatomical specimens, with the real picture. In addition, it is an extremely interesting process for them, since they conduct the ultrasound themselves in the presence of a tutor. It is also possible to broadcast real ultrasound images of some interesting clinical cases from the University Clinic.

A number of presentations were held, thanks to which the participants had the opportunity to present their educational institutions, exchange experience in introducing innovations into the educational process and peculiarities of international activity. Special emphasis was placed on issues of academic mobility, student and teacher exchange programs, as well as on the latest methods of teaching and research.

Representatives of various universities took part in practical workshops dedicated to interactive learning methods, simulation training in medicine, as well as the use of modern technologies in medical education. The workshops contributed not only to the acquisition of new knowledge, but also to the establishment of professional contacts and the exchange of experience.

As part of the event, interactive sessions were held where topical issues of medical education and scientific research were discussed. During the discussions, the main challenges facing modern medical education and possible ways to overcome them were outlined.

The participants had the opportunity to see the cultural heritage of Wrocław, visit museums, historical sites and cultural events, which contributed to the strengthening of intercultural ties and mutual understanding. And, of course, it was interesting to meet krasnoludeks on the streets of this wonderful city – the cultural capital of Poland.

International Staff Week at Wroclaw Medical University became an important event for strengthening international cooperation, exchange of experience and introduction of the latest methods in medical education and science. The event was organized at a high level and contributed to the establishment of new contacts, which will become the basis for continued fruitful cooperation in the future.

In the next academic year, it is planned to resume the academic mobility program of students within the framework of the Erasmus KA 1 Students’ mobility for learning program for 1-2 semesters.

Participation in the International Staff Week made it possible to strengthen the reputation of Ternopil National Medical University in the international educational and scientific environment by highlighting the results of international activities and spreading image information about the achievements and accomplishments of the university among foreign partner institutions and international organizations and will promote the search and implementation ways to restore higher education in Ukraine from the consequences of the Russian invasion with the help of international partners.

Colleagues from Wroclaw Medical University are open to cooperation not only at the level of universities as a whole, but also at the level of faculties, institutes, and departments. Therefore, I hope for our active and productive cooperation in the future.

Natalia Lisnychuk, Deputy Rector for International Relations.